Daily Number

35%

January 31, 2018

The latest FDU Public Mind Poll indicates that Gov. Phil Murphy is beginning his administration with an approval rating of 35 percent.

Although this is a significant improvement over public support for the outgoing Christie administration, Murphy's numbers are considerably lower than for his past two predecessors when they began their terms in office.

Among adults in New Jersey, around a third (35 percent) say they approve of the job Murphy's doing so far, with a fifth (21 percent) who disapprove and a plurality (40 percent) who don't know enough to register a response.

"At this point, support, or lack thereof, for Murphy is more of a gut reaction. However, it's notable that Murphy fares worse in the so-called 'honeymoon period' than Christie and Jon Corzine," said Krista Jenkins, director of the FDU Poll and a professor of political science.

In January 2010, when Chris Christie began his two terms in office, 48 percent approved while 31 percent disapproved. Jon Corzine had the support of 47 percent in March 2006 with a 16 percent disapproval rating.